Some oil filter comparison information

[Pikey]

I was doing some research on oil filters a few months back. I found a site that some may find helpful. It tells the square inches of filter material, manufacturer, bypass valve material , and anti drain back valve material of each filter. It is comparing the AC PF2 to other filters.

http://www.minimopar.net/oilfilters/...nce.html#delco

[TRPLXL2]

I know a lot of people hate FRAM filters, but all I can say is I have seen 3 engines torn down that ran FRAM filters and they were super clean. I now run WIX or BOSCH just to try something different, but basically they all looked the same.

[Pikey]

I know a lot of people hate FRAM filters, but all I can say is I have seen 3 engines torn down that ran FRAM filters and they were super clean. I now run WIX or BOSCH just to try something different, but basically they all looked the same.

I have not seen engines torn down that used a fram filter. I think how "clean" it is depends a lot on the oil that is used. I do cut an oil filter apart when I change oil. I do it because I am curious. I have to say that I have seen a few fram filters where at the seam where the filter element joins together, there is separation, meaning a hole where dirt can pass through without touching the element. I have not seen that on any other brand. Ac filters cost the same if not less than a fram, so I will just stick with those.

[PantheraUncia]

I guess I am paying $8 too much for the convenience of a 1inch nut on the end of it because I am too lazy to screw with an oil filter wrench to fit this car, and that truck, and blah.

It does have the most surface area though


K&N

HP-3001

This filter is a very close match to the Mobil 1 filter, which like this one also uses the original "performance" version of the Champion Labs design. The only unique attribute to this filter is the nut welded to the back of the can. This may be handy during removal, but it does increase the overall length of the can which can lead to clearance problems if things are already tight. They make oil filter wrenches in various styles for a reason. The K&N is an expensive filter for what it is, and you can save $2 by getting the Mobil 1 instead.
Exploded view:

Average Retail Price	$12
Overall Length	5.75 inches (including the hex head)
Overall Diameter	3.66 inches
Cartridge Length	4.19 inches
Cartridge Outside Diameter	3.36 inches
Cartridge Inside Diameter	1.70 inches
Cartridge Pleats	57
Cartridge End Cap Type	Stamped steel, with bypass valve in front
Anti-Drainback Valve Type	Nitrile rubber diaphragm
Bypass Valve Type	Spring-loaded steel
Element Type	Synthetic blend media, glued seam
Element Length	90.5 inches
Element Width	4.0 inches
Element Surface Area	362 square inches
Shell Thickness	0.020 inches
Backplate Thickness	0.14 inches
Gasket Type	Nitrile rubber

[stchman]

From everything I have read, Champion Labs makes the oil filters for AC Delco.

I stopped using aftermarket filters when I had my 1998 Chevrolet pickup with a 4.3L engine. When I used an aftermarket oil filter, the engine would knock for a few seconds on startup. When I switched to the AC Delco brand, the engine would no longer knock upon start up.

Since AC Delco oil filters are about the same price as the other guys, I just use them.

[1st Synthetics]

That is pretty outdated information.

[steved]

I think how "clean" it is depends a lot on the oil that is used.

It has more to do with the detergents in the oil than the filter...

[Pikey]

That is pretty outdated information.

Do you have any updated information that you can share with us?

[Cowpie]

Filters are something I look into considerably, since I run commercial semi trucks. That being said, regardless of brand, I tend to prefer filters that use a synthetic mesh design as opposed to traditional cellulose construction. They tend to filter at a little lower micron level, while still able to provide excellent flow characteristics. They also tend to hold more and last a little longer, which is a major concern when going with extended drain intervals typically associated with OLM technology. Mobil 1, Amsoil, the extended life Donaldson's, etc use synthetic mesh design. They are top notch filters.

Now even though I prefer a synthetic mesh design, I also like Wix/Napa Gold filters. They are well designed filters with excellent construction.